In Chapter Two, we described our process for identifying the allocation of federal
R&D dollars for hazard loss reduction activities. We found that at the most basic
level, the largest R&D effort is devoted to weather-related hazards, with seismic hazards trailing well behind. In this chapter, we expand on these initial observations to
develop a more comprehensive portrait of the federal prioritization of R&D that contributes to hazard loss reduction.Because many types of R&D programs are supported by the federal government, it is
useful to analyze the range of goals for hazard loss activities. This type of analysis
provides information on the types of losses addressed by R&D, the balance between
applied and basic research efforts, and the mechanisms for transitioning basic research to applications. With this information, one can begin to assess the payoffs
from R&D investments and the effects of different R&D strategies.We begin by constructing a framework characterizing the range of research programs. Using the data from Chapter Two, we map the R&D expenditures against the
programs in this framework and identify the types of efforts that receive the largest
share of funding.

TYPES OF R&D PROGRAMS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO HAZARD LOSS
REDUCTION

To examine the goals and missions for the programs listed in Table 2.4, we divide the
programs into three categories:

Basic and applied research programs. Housed largely within NSF, these programs
are usually organized on a disciplinary basis, e.g., oceanography or structural engineering. Applied research programs (e.g., NSF's earthquake engineering efforts) often have a direct link between R&D and hazard loss reduction. However,
in basic research programs, the link can be indirect. For example, research that
improves knowledge of ocean processes can enhance understanding of hurri-

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